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Construction begins on Washington/Wabash 'L,' Loop Link

Construction has begun on two major transportation projects in the Loop. On Monday, March 16, the Chicago Department of Transportation's (CDOT) demolition of the existing Madison/Wabash station will start in order to make way for the new, modern Washington/Wabash 'L' station on the next block north. Also on Monday, CDOT will begin construction of the new Loop Link bus rapid transit system.

Both of these projects will impact traffic in the Loop area over the course of the next year. Here's what you need to know:

Washington/Wabash 'L'

About the Project

In January 2012, CTA and the City of Chicago announced a major project to construct a new station at Washington/Wabash in the Loop, combining the nearby century-old stations on Wabash at Randolph and at Madison. The new station will be located between Madison and Washington and will serve the Brown, Green, Orange, Pink and Purple lines.

Closures

Wabash Avenue will close to vehicular traffic between Washington and Madison streets beginning Monday, March 9. The Madison/Wabash 'L' station will permanently close beginning Monday, March 16. CTA riders are encouraged to board at Randolph/Wabash, located two blocks north, or at Adams/Wabash, located two blocks south.

Scheduled Completion

The new Washington/Wabash 'L' station will open in 2016, according to the CTA.

Loop Link Bus Rapid Transit

About the Project

Loop Link is a bus rapid transit system on Washington, Madison, Clinton, and Canal that will move people more efficiently through the Loop while improving the connection between neighborhoods across Chicago.

Closures

Construction will start simultaneously on Madison and Clinton Streets on Monday, March 16. On Madison, construction will start at State Street and progress westbound; work on Madison between Michigan and State will occur in the summer. On Clinton, construction will start at Randolph Street and progress southbound. Construction will then move to Washington and Canal Streets late this spring. On Washington, construction will start at Canal Street and progress eastbound, and on Canal, construction will start at Van Buren Street and progress northbound. Construction on Randolph is scheduled to start late this summer, and will start at Michigan Avenue and progress westbound. Please note, Department of Water Management work on Randolph will be commencing this spring in advance of Loop Link work.

Two lanes of traffic will remain available on weekdays during business hours for the duration of the project. Periodically, there will be the need for further lane reductions overnight and on weekends but no road closures or detours will be posted as part of the Loop Link project. Curbside activities (e.g. loading, standing, deliveries, etc.) will be restricted on blocks under construction and should take place in alleys or on cross-streets.

Scheduled Completion

Loop Link will open by the end of 2015, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.